Ever been in the thick of a project and wished for an additional pair of hands? That’s precisely the role a bench vise plays in your workshop. This tool is a real game-changer, an unsung hero that’s always ready to assist when you’re sawing, gluing, or drilling.

A bench vise isn’t just a tool; it’s your workshop’s trusted companion. It’s the heavy-duty assistant that keeps your workpiece secure, freeing up your hands to work more efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or a DIY enthusiast, having the best bench vise in your workshop can significantly enhance your projects.

However, here’s the thing – not all bench vises are made equal. There are several key factors to consider when choosing the best bench vise. You need to consider the jaw width, the throat depth, and the jaw opening. These critical dimensions determine the size of the workpiece your vise can accommodate.

But there’s more. You also need to consider the material of the vise. Is it made of cast iron, steel, or a mix of both? Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the type of work you’ll be doing.

Lastly, don’t forget about those additional features. Some vises come with extras like a rotating base or an anvil for metalworking. These can be a real boon for certain tasks. If you’re interested in learning more about tools with additional features, our comparison between die grinders and Dremels might be of interest.

So, are you ready to find the perfect bench vise for your workshop? Let’s dive into the world of bench vises and explore some of the best options out there. And remember, a good bench vise is not just a tool; it’s an investment in your DIY future.

Stay tuned as we clamp down on the specifics and help you make an informed decision. After all, we’re all about creating quality content that helps you get the job done right. So, let’s get started, shall we? For more DIY tips and tricks, check out our guide on how to use a socket wrench like a pro.

Yost Vises FSV-5 5-Inch Heavy-Duty Forged Steel Bench Vise with 360-Degree Swivel Base

The Yost Vises FSV-5 is a heavy-duty bench vise that’s designed to handle a variety of tasks. With its 5-inch jaw width and 0.5 to 3-inch diameter pipe capacity, it’s suitable for a wide range of applications. The vise features a 360-degree swivel base, replaceable hardened steel jaws, and adjustable guide rails for precision. Despite its higher price point, the Yost Vises FSV-5 offers durability and versatility that make it a worthwhile investment for any workshop.

Pros:

Suitable for heavy-duty applications with a 5″ jaw width and a 0.5″- to 3″-diameter pipe capacity.
360-degree swivel base allows for versatile placement and can be locked in place.
Forged steel body with a powder-coated finish for weather resistance.
Top jaws and pipe jaws are made of hardened steel, grooved for enhanced grip, and replaceable.
Adjustable guide rails to counteract wear and maintain precision.
Available in different sizes for various needs.
Free delivery and return, refund, or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Cons:

Priced at $345.10 for the 5-inch vise, it may be considered expensive for some users.
The red color may not appeal to everyone.

IRWIN Multi-Use Bench Vise (4935506)

The IRWIN Multi-Use Bench Vise is a robust tool designed for professional woodworkers and metalworkers. Made of high-quality grey iron, this vise can withstand high pressure and provides over 3000 pounds of clamping pressure. It features a swivel base for easy positioning, a fused steel handle, and a long barreled, unbreakable nut dovetailed into the body for smooth and dependable action. Despite its professional-grade features, the vise has received positive customer ratings for its performance and value for money.

Pros:

Made of high-quality grey iron, providing durability and resistance to distortion under high pressure.
Provides more than 3000 pounds of clamping pressure for heavy-duty jobs.
Features a swivel base for easy positioning.
Smooth and dependable action due to the long barreled, unbreakable nut dovetailed into the body.
Comes in different sizes, including a multi-purpose option with rotating pipe jaws and an incorporated anvil.
Eligible for return, refund, or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Cons:

The vise may be too heavy-duty for casual or hobbyist users.
The price may be a deterrent for some potential buyers.

Wilton 11104 Bench Vise

The Wilton 11104 Bench Vise is a versatile tool that’s designed to handle a variety of tasks. With its 4-inch jaw width and 4-inch jaw opening, it’s suitable for a wide range of applications. The vise is made from high-strength steel and features a double lock-down swivel base and a large anvil work surface. Despite its professional-grade features, the vise has received positive customer ratings for its performance and value for money.

Pros:

4-inch jaw width and a 4-inch jaw opening suitable for various applications.
Made from high-strength steel, providing durability and resistance to wear.
Features a double lock-down swivel base for stability and a large anvil work surface for versatility.
Available at a discounted price of $139.13, providing value for money.
Comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term use.

Cons:

The weight of 6.8 kilograms may be considered heavy for some users.
Additional items related to the vise, such as vise jaws and vise pads, need to be purchased separately.

Wilton WS6 Shop Bench Vise (63302)

The Wilton WS6 Shop Bench Vise is a robust and versatile tool designed for a variety of tasks. With its 6-inch jaw width and 6-inch maximum jaw opening, it’s suitable for a wide range of applications. The vise is made of heavy-duty cast iron and features a 360° swivel base with double lockdowns for quick and easy positioning. Despite its professional-grade features, the vise has received positive customer ratings for its performance and value for money.

Pros:

6-inch jaw width and a 6-inch maximum jaw opening suitable for various applications.
Made of heavy-duty cast iron, providing durability and resistance to wear.
Features a 360° swivel base with double lockdowns for stability and easy positioning.
Built-in pipe jaws that can handle various pipe sizes, adding to its versatility.
Large anvil work surface that accommodates a wide range of striking needs.
Backed by Wilton’s industry-leading limited lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term use.

Cons:

The weight of 19.1 kilograms may be considered heavy for some users.
The black color may not appeal to everyone.
Additional items related to the vise need to be purchased separately.

Olsa Tools 5 Inch Bench Vise

The Olsa Tools 5 Inch Bench Vise is a professional-grade tool designed for a variety of tasks. With its 5-inch jaw width, 360° swivel base, and 7,700 lb clamping force, it’s suitable for a wide range of applications. The vise is made of premium forged steel and features a durable hammer paint finish in striking red color. Despite its professional-grade features, the vise has received positive customer ratings for its performance and value for money.

Pros:

5-inch jaw width suitable for various tasks such as woodwork, metalwork, sawing, drilling, and gluing.
Features a 360° swivel base that can be secured in any orientation needed for the task.
Comes with mounting hardware, including bolts, nuts, and washers, for easy installation on a workbench.
Bonus features include rubber jaw covers that can be attached magnetically, providing a firm grip without scratching delicate materials.
Made of premium forged steel, which is stronger than cast iron and ductile iron alternatives.
Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee from Olsa Tools.

Cons:

The striking red color may not appeal to everyone.
Different sizes available, but each size comes with varying clamping forces and weight, which may confuse some buyers.
Additional items related to the vise need to be purchased separately.

FAQs

What size bench vise should I get?

Choosing the right size for your bench vise depends on the type of work you’ll be doing. If you’re into light tasks like crafting or jewelry making, a smaller vise with a jaw width of 3 to 4 inches should do the trick. But if you’re into heavy-duty tasks like metalworking or woodworking, you might want to go for a vise with a jaw width of 5 to 6 inches. Remember, the bench vise size is crucial as it determines the size of the workpiece you can handle.

How do you mount a bench vise?

Mounting a bench vise is a pretty straightforward process. First, you need to find a suitable spot on your workbench. This should be a sturdy area where you can comfortably work. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, place your vise on it and mark the spots for the mounting holes. Drill the holes and secure the vise using bolts, nuts, and washers. You might want to check out our guide on how to use a torque wrench to ensure you tighten those bolts properly. Voila! Your bench vise mounting is done!

What are some common bench vise uses?

A bench vise is a versatile tool with a multitude of uses. It’s commonly used to hold workpieces steady while you saw, drill, or glue. It’s also handy for bending metal, cutting pipes, and even as an anvil for small metalworking tasks. In essence, a bench vise is like your third hand in the workshop. It holds things steady, so you don’t have to.

How to Choose the Best Bench Vise

Choosing the best bench vise for the money isn’t just about picking the one with the most bells and whistles. It’s about finding the one that fits your needs and your budget. Here are some factors to consider:

Jaw Width and Opening: The jaw width and opening determine the size of the workpiece your vise can handle. Choose a vise with a jaw width and opening that suits the type of work you’ll be doing.
Throat Depth: The throat depth is the distance from the top of the jaws to the top of the slide below the jaws. A larger throat depth allows you to clamp larger workpieces.
Material: Vises are typically made of cast iron, steel, or a combination of both. Steel vises are more durable and suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Additional Features: Some vises come with additional features like a swivel base, an anvil, or pipe jaws. These can be handy depending on the type of work you’ll be doing.

Remember, the best bench vise is the one that fits your needs and your budget. So take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right bench vise is crucial for any DIY enthusiast or professional craftsman. It’s not just about finding the most expensive one or the one with the most features. It’s about finding the one that fits your needs and your budget. Whether you’re sawing, drilling, or gluing, a good bench vise is a must-have in any workshop. So take your time, do your research, and find the perfect bench vise for you. Happy DIY-ing!